Since our last chat, Plan Bee has moved from a 1 BBL brew system in a small shed to a 10 BBL brewhouse on a farmstead in Poughkeepsie, NY, and Evan and his wife Emily have begun to cultivate the land which some day in the future will supply most if not all of the ingredients used in Plan Bee's fantastic beers. This was a conversation we were dying to have, to see the progress on the farm, talk a little less about the basics of Plan Bee (see prior interview), and to really get into what it means to be a farm brewery. The result - an honest and raw conversation. A discussion about the struggles of such a grand undertaking, a real look at the life behind the shiny exterior of this craft beer boom, and most importantly, complete candor. Plan Bee is and will always be one of our favorites, not only because of the quality of the product but for the ideas the couple stand for. The back to basics and "life's priorities" driven mentality that guides their business decisions. The fact that Evan prides himself on handing each bottle of his beer to the consumer just one example of what makes this brewery so special. We hope you enjoy our conversation and take the time to learn more about Plan Bee and the Watsons.

Cheers,

Craft Commander

Creation, innovation, pushing the limits, and supporting the local economy and community. Evan and Emily Watson, the husband wife team behind Plan Bee Farm Brewery are living examples of these words. The proof? They moved to a 1 acre plot of land in Fishkill, NY to start a brewery that produces 1 barrel (~32 gallons) of beer per batch, uses all local New York ingredients, and when possible, ingredients that can be harvested on their own property. To drive the point home, the yeasts strains used in Plan Bee's beers have been harvested from fruits and other things found on their property. The beers are now all fermented using yeasts harvested by Evan and cultivated to produce delicate, balanced, and complex beers. It doesn't get much more local than that. Sure, its harder this way; and, sure it's less profitable, but it's exactly what they want. A product that tastes like where it's from. A beer with a terroir and a sense of place. A product that not only represents their brewery and style but the actual plot of land that birthed its components.

Still, there's much more to it than that. Evan's music (google him, you won't be disappointed) screams America - with a hints of blues, southern rock, gospel, and folk, also reflects the persona behind the Plan Bee beers. A back to the basics, salt of the earth approach to music. It's raw and passionate. Again, creation and creativity stand at the forefront. As Evan puts it, anything can be influential when brewing his beers, including music and arts.

As Plan Bee looks to expand, their goals are not driven by money. In fact, Evan still wants nothing to do with distribution. Instead, he wants to continue to be the one who hands his customers his product and drinks them on the property they own. The expansion, if and when it happens, will instead look like 20-30 acres of land where Evan can grow each and every component of his beer with a large building where people can share beer and enjoy themselves, and where Evan can Emily can be a part of the local economy and, more importantly, community. This product is more than just a beer it's Evan's artistic interpretation of where he is literally and spiritually. Plan Bee truly is art in a glass. We hope you enjoy this conversation.

Cheers!

Evan Watson - Founder Plan Bee Farm Brewery (Part Deux)

Evan Watson - Plan Bee Farm Brewery